The Old Testament books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy describe the journey of the Israelites from Egypt up to their entrance to the Promised Land, but these books are also a biography of Moses, their great leader. They describe 120 years of Moses’ life and what he did and said.

Today, his death on Mount Nebo overlooking the Promised Land is described. Yesterday, we read from the Book of Deuteronomy. (Dt 31, 1-8) some of his final words.  “I am now one hundred and twenty years old and am no longer able to move about freely.” Then he gives over leadership to Joshua; he’s not going to enter the Promised Land.

Moses speaks little about himself or his accomplishments, his failures or regrets, as his life ends. Even his place of burial is unknown. Rather, he speaks about the Lord God and what God has done. It’s not me, it’s not Joshua, it’s not human power and wisdom that will be with you, Moses says to the people. “It is the Lord, your God, who will cross the Jordan before you.” And to Joshua:

“Be brave and steadfast,
for you must bring this people into the land
which the Lord swore to their fathers he would give them;
you must put them in possession of their heritage.
It is the Lord who marches before you;
he will be with you and will never fail you or forsake you.
So do not fear or be dismayed.”

Moses’ last gift to those who follow him is a fearless faith. A great gift to pass on.

A Pew Survey awhile ago mentioned that some scientists think we will live to 120 years old in the future. The survey asked representatives of the various religious traditions what they thought about it. I noticed the Jewish response was for it. Were they thinking of Moses?